Eight City

"Aiden Cavendish?"

"He's Albert Cavendish's grandson. He's an S-rank, too."

......I know who he is, but is he already old enough to enroll in Hunter Academy?

A born S-rank Awakened, Aiden Cavendish.

To be honest, he was too distant a figure for me to take much interest in him. I'd only seen him in photos in the news from time to time.

In my mind, he had always been depicted as an elementary-school kid, and I thought he always would be.

'What are you talking about? I'm younger than him now.'

"Ahem! So why does this uncle want to see Aiden?"

"Because the entrance ceremony is the only chance he'll have to see him up close. He's practically the next 'emperor,' after all."

"......Ah, come to think of it."

Cavendish is the family that planned and operates Hunter Academy.

Most of the world's famous Hunters are produced here, and a considerable number of them have received the Cavendish family's reawakening service.

Cavendish's influence reaches practically every corner of the world.

If the United States held global hegemony before the Gates erupted, then since the Gate Age, the British Empire has led the world with its nobles at the forefront.

In other words, Aiden isn't merely the president of the world; he's the next 'world emperor.'

'.......'

And yet, for some reason, I wasn't impressed.

Of course, I hadn't been particularly interested in him before, either, but this was different.

Back then, he had been so far above me that I hadn't dared even look at him. This time, I just felt like quietly doing what I had to do.

"Lady Raebi, you seem rather unmoved."

As though she'd read my thoughts, she voiced her doubts.

I answered with a faint smile.

"As long as I have all of you, I'm fine. Anyway, what exactly is the academy's system? I don't know much about it..."

Kang Hana then began explaining the academy's overall system.

First, the first semester.

Everything is conducted through lectures and exams.

Since it doesn't require any particular physical activity, the semester is held in different places around the world.

Everyone competes to host it because the economic benefits are enormous.

'I already knew this.'

"The next semester is 'practical training.'"

"......Practical training? You don't mean we'll be entering Gates, do you?"

"Of course not."

It means splitting into teams and competing against one another.

After a set period of training, they play games similar to sparring matches.

Since people and terrain alike can suffer extensive damage if things grow too heated, it is held at designated facilities in several places around the world.

They are divided by climate: deserts, frigid regions, grasslands, and so on.

All of this takes place over 180 days, and the countries are ranked according to the results.

Korea's ranking in previous years had been respectable, around twentieth place.

"And finally, one important thing. ......The nobles lead the students from each country."

"How many students enroll in the academy?"

"We have thirty-three. Ms. Jihye will give you the detailed list."

Han Jihye returned after finishing all the attendant-related work.

I was briefed on the Korean students and the world's major figures.

There were three nobles enrolling this time.

'Kim Cha-hoon of Asadal, Ribi, April's younger sister, and me.'

There were other students from 'families' as well, but they were not officially recognized by the World Nobles' Council.

They were families recognized only within the 'Republic of Korea.'

"Then please go to bed early tonight. You have to meet with the head of the household tomorrow."

So I went to bed early.

I didn't fall asleep immediately. Since my magic had recovered to some extent, I carved a Pygmy with the essence I'd newly obtained.

This time, I made it wearing an ornate helmet as well. I figured it didn't have to look exactly like the previous one.

The result was a huge success.

I took the Pygmy I had made into my body and pondered the Theban nobles.

'Nothing will happen while I'm away, right?'

***

"Hana unni-."

"No. This is an essential subject today."

My plan to subtly skip class was cut down in an instant.

I hadn't just been planning to slack off; I wanted to talk with the attendants, but Kang Hana wouldn't let me.

Still, she wasn't being stubborn for no reason, and she did acquire a lot of information that would be useful at the academy.

Right after lunch, I held individual consultations with the attendants. The new attendants joined us as well.

"How is it? Are you settling in, Ms. Dayoung?"

"It's wonderful! It feels like a dream that I'm here!"

"I see... Then you wouldn't want to leave, would you?"

"Pardon?"

Anxiety clouded Pyeon Dayoung's eyes.

It was obvious she was anxiously wondering whether she was about to be dismissed.

"Don't be so nervous. It's because you have to go to Hunter Academy with me, Ms. Dayoung."

Pyeon Dayoung's mouth stretched from ear to ear. She slammed the table with a bang, stood up, and shouted.

"I, I'm going to get to see Hunter Academy!?"

"Yes. I know the first semester is at Eight City... and we'll be going abroad for the second semester. Is that all right?"

"Of course! Thank you, Lady Raebi!"

......Pyeon Dayoung won't be a problem.

Just as Ms. Jihye recommended, I liked how she never complained about anything.

After that, I called in Im Bora, Ahn Gihwan, and Kim Sooyoung.

They were the members who would watch over this place while the semester was underway.

First, I handed Ahn Gihwan what I had prepared the night before.

"Here, take this, Mr. Gihwan."

"Pardon? What is it?"

"A whip. Your last one was severed in that unfortunate accident. This should be better than the one you used before."

"Y-you're giving me this? This?"

Ahn Gihwan froze with a stunned expression.

It was understandable; a primary weapon was extremely expensive, regardless of one's position.

I'd heard his previous one had cost around fifty million won, and I'd only recently realized he hadn't been able to obtain a suitable new weapon.

When I nodded, Ahn Gihwan's mouth fell open in a broad grin, and he repeatedly thanked me.

He wasn't the sort to react as intensely as Pyeon Dayoung, but he was honest about his feelings.

"Now, all three of you, take one of these."

"What is this...?"

A ring containing magic.

Of course, no one but Ahn Gihwan would be able to use its built-in function, but it contained low-grade Pygmies for emergencies.

Since it was a serious felony to arbitrarily consign or sell something gifted by a noble, I didn't have to worry about them ending up somewhere else.

The moment he accepted the ring, Ahn Gihwan's eyebrow twitched, but he didn't say anything.

The other two simply admired its pretty design and promised they would wear it all the time.

"Ms. Bora, Ms. Sooyoung, I know this must be overwhelming right after arriving... but please take good care of things."

"Not at all. We'll do our best so that everything will be fine no matter when you return, Lady Raebi."

"Um, um...! Lady Raebi!"

Just as I was wrapping up, Im Bora called out to me.

She seemed too tense, so I gave her a gentle smile.

"Yes, Ms. Bora."

"Um... could I switch shifts with Mr. Cheol later?"

"Have you and Mr. Cheol already agreed on that?"

"Y-yes! He told me to come get your permission, Lady Raebi..."

"Then go ahead."

"Thank you!"

She seemed to want to see Hunter Academy.

Since the semesters weren't held at a designated location every year, it was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for a commoner.

Even I was excited, so I readily gave Im Bora permission, wondering how she must feel.

'Of course, it would add a small amount to Ms. Jihye's workload...'

In any case, the attendants and household matters were taken care of.

I spent the rest of my free time making small talk, then headed to the main house when it was time.

Douglas had summoned us to encourage the new students.

But when I reached Douglas's room, I was the only person I saw nearby.

I wondered if I'd mistaken the time or place, but there was no way Han Jihye would make such a mistake.

Douglas saw me, beckoned me over, then lifted me up and sat me on his lap.

"Head of the household...?"

"No need for greetings. Let's start by putting something tasty in your mouth."

"Mmph-!"

Something was shoved into my mouth. When I reflexively bit down, a sharp sweetness spread across my tongue.

I frowned at first, wondering what it was, but soon found myself chewing it contentedly.

"Is it edible?"

"Yes."

"I see... It costs a thousand dollars per piece, so it ought to be tasty."

"......!!!"

My chewing slowed dramatically. What kind of fruit could be so expensive? I wanted to take it out and inspect it.

Seeing my wide-eyed expression, he gave a hearty laugh and supplied the answer.

"Golden Riesling. It's a fruit that can only be harvested in certain field-type Gates. An unawakened person could die from eating it."

'No wonder... My magic did overflow slightly for a moment.'

I'd heard of it before.

There were fruits harvested from field-type Gates.

They ranged from varieties safe for ordinary people to ones that were absolutely forbidden, but since they couldn't be cultivated on Earth, every one of them was exorbitantly expensive.

"There's more here."

"Thank you."

With one arm around my shoulders, Douglas held up the fruit bowl with his other hand.

I must have looked like a monkey nestled in someone's arms, but the Golden Riesling was so delicious that I couldn't care about anything else.

As I munched on something resembling a miniature watermelon with golden patterns, he opened his mouth.

"Raebi, you are my daughter. What did I say a daughter's duty was?"

"Never recklessly show my abilities to anyone except Father!"

"That's right. But what if they find out, and someone covets you and approaches you?"

"Hmm... Unless it's Albert Cavendish, I'll send him back with a slap to the face."

Douglas burst into hearty laughter.

He lightly tapped the crown of my head with his palm and pulled me closer into his embrace.

Judging by how he urged the attendants to bring more Golden Riesling, he must have liked my answer quite a bit.

"You really are different from the other Thebans. What do you think? Would you like to move into the main house?"

"......!"

.

.

-Listen carefully. You must never go to the main house.

-Why?

-It means becoming the head of the household's personal property. Of course, that could be a good thing depending on the circumstances, but in a woman's case, you might be married off as a concubine.

-Eww...!

-You could also end up becoming a candidate for the next head of the household, which would be a headache.

.

.

'I have to stay calm.'

You might think I could simply refuse, but I had to act well.

Unless Douglas was an idiot, if I bluntly refused right here, he'd surely suspect that I'd heard something.

I smiled brightly and asked,

"What's good about moving to the main house, Head of the household?"

"Well, first, you can shut up the people who chatter that you came from nowhere. You wouldn't merely be a daughter in name; you'd truly become part of my direct family."

"And then?"

"You could aim for the position of next head of the household. Then you'd also be able to accompany me to the World Nobles' Council."

......Strictly speaking, it wasn't that I could aim to become the next head; I'd automatically become a candidate.

The reason the competition over the position of head of Douglas Kim had arisen was that the head had no children, but if I suddenly inserted myself into it, all hell would break loose.

I might even be forced to become the head of the household at Douglas's command.

'I don't want to block Vincent's future.'

"I have a choice, right?"

"Of course you do. ......What will you do?"

"Then I'll put it on hold. It's too heavy a burden for me, Father."

"Hmm."

At the word Father, the corners of Douglas's mouth twitched upward.

Then, wearing a satisfied expression, he spoke as though resigning himself to it.

"All right. Take your time and think it over."

Fortunately, Ribi arrived from Athens afterward.

I already knew her; we'd met once during April's previous fraud commotion.

We smiled at each other.

Douglas offered her and me some conventional words of encouragement, congratulating us on entering the academy,

and sent us away after a brief interview.

"Shall we have some tea?"

At Ribi's suggestion, we headed to Athena.

She praised the item I'd made until she ran out of breath, saying she really liked it.

Unlike her older sister April, she was an unambitious, calm type, and seemed to think nothing of the previous commotion beyond finding it amusing.

Far from disliking me, she seemed genuinely delighted to see me.

"Honestly, I was worried we'd be the only two this time, you and Mr. Cha-hoon. Whenever there's only one man and one woman, strange rumors always start."

"Have you met Mr. Cha-hoon before?"

"Of course. Noble gatherings are frequent, so we've run into each other from time to time."

"I see... I wonder what kind of person he is."

At that, an awkward expression appeared on Ribi's face.

"Lady Raebi, um... if it's all right, could I handle as much of the conversation with that side as possible?"

"Pardon? Did I do something wrong...?"

"Huh? No! It's not that..."

Ribi clenched both fists tightly.

Then she looked at me with blazing eyes and declared briefly,

"Anyway, I'll protect Raebi!"

'What was that about?'

I returned to my room, leaving Ribi's incomprehensible words behind.

After dinner, I received some final words of caution from Han Jihye.

Her main advice was to cultivate friendships with the world's great families but avoid conflict at all costs.

At the same time, however, she told me to accept if I received a formal challenge to a duel.

Depending on the circumstances, refusing could also be taken as a provocation.

"Is there a place for duels?"

"Eight City is circular, right? There are facilities of a certain size over the sea at the center."

Though they weren't enough to withstand intense training, they apparently served as a stage for sparring.

Han Jihye added that it would also be practice for fighting aquatic-type monsters.

I left for Eight City at around nine the next morning. Since all the supplies were provided at the assigned lodgings, I didn't need to pack much.

Usually, people brought their preferred clothes and items, but I didn't have any of those either.

"You got here first, Raebi. Let's go together..."

"Ahaha, sorry, sis. We'll go together next time!"

"Hehe, promise."

Starting with Ribi, the incoming students arrived one after another. There were thirty in total, excluding the nobles.

They were all from fairly prominent backgrounds, but their faces looked deflated. The enrollment fee was absurdly expensive.

Of course, they must have decided it was worth it because of the opportunities and benefits it offered.

"What about Mr. Cha-hoon?"

"He'll probably come later. Since he's from the number-one family in Korea, he must have been assigned even the entrance-ceremony speech."

Asadal was the finest family in Korea.

Since this semester was being held in Korea, he was apparently planning to greet everyone together with the head of the household.

In the end, we gathered first in the banquet hall on the first floor of the lodgings and took turns greeting one another.

Everyone had taken their places in advance, and when we entered side by side, they stood and crossed their arms.

"We greet the noble of Douglas Kim."

I received their greetings one by one. A few wore expressions like they had bitten into something foul, but I let it pass.

I figured it was probably for reasons similar to Anna-ri's.

We dispersed after a brief tea party,

and shortly afterward, Kim Cha-hoon arrived after finishing preparations for his speech and preliminary greetings.

He looked at me and said,

"There was a cute little lady here?"

'Eugh...!'